Rizzo lives up to Stawell Gift favouritism

Victorian teenager Matt Rizzo lived up to his status as Stawell Gift favourite with a sizzling heat win on Saturday.

Rizzo from Langwarrin left his rivals in his wake as he ran 12.10 seconds – 0.22 faster than any other heat winner.

Nathan Riali clocked 12.32 in holding out Ballarat youngster Mason Keast, and Will Roberts ran 12.33 as the next fastest.

A relaxed Rizzo was all smiles as he turned his attention to Monday’s semi-finals.

And significantly he believed he still has something up his sleeve and can find trim his time further.

Rizzo, 18, said while he was not too focused on the time though, with other semi-finalists alo likely to run quicker in the next phase, it did give him confidence.

While Rizzo is a firming favourite reigning Gift champion Isaac Dunmall remains in contention to complete back-to-back victories – a feat only record once before by the legendary Bill Howard in 1966-67.

Dunmall said he was well aware of his chance at history.

I’m feeling really good.”

He said he was confident he could finish what had been a rough season on a high.

Ballarat will be represented in the semi-finals by Mason Keast and Tom Moloney, who each finished second in heats.

Moloney will be relieved after breaking and being pulled back one metre – a penalty which most likely cost him a heat win.